No, I haven't died or dropped off the face of the earth...I've just been really busy. Though it's sort of the same thing sometimes. This is just a semi-in depth update for anyone who might be wondering what I've been up to.

Western Washington has been getting a TON of snow these past few weeks....we may even have a foot at our house, which I don't believe has ever happened in my lifetime. I mean, we freak out and close schools if there's a few inches.Everyone on the east coast may scoff, but we're certainly not used to it.

I'm a senior this year, which means piles of fun homework, and icky college applications and decisions. I'm not too stoked about either one at the moment. In fact, I'll probably be spending the majority of the remainder of my Winter Break working on homework. Namely, reading the monstrosity that is Crime and Punishment and writing a lengthy essay on it. I believe it's due on the 6th. Fun, no?

However, I have some fun new photography developments. I recently acquired a brand new Nikon D300, and have been having fun with that (with what little spare time I have. I actually traded it for about $520 in Microsoft software using Craigslist (my new best friend). I have access to the Microsoft Company Store, which has software at insanely low prices compared to the retail value. I think I was able to get over $2,800 worth of MS software for about $520. So far I'm really loving the 6 fps (compared to the D50's 2.5!), the screen, and the 3d auto tracking system.

This fall, I also applied for a photography scholarship through the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA), and actually made it in. So, in the middle of February, I'll be headed to New Mexico along with 9 other recipients to learn from a group of professional nature photographers. I know Art Wolfe is a keynote speaker, but I've yet to find out if we're actually going to meet him. For the first 3 days they actually take us out into the field and teach us some hands on stuff, and for the next few days we attend NANPA's Annual Summit in Albuquerque. My parents do have to pay for airfare, but the rest is completely paid for.

That's pretty much the big news for right now. Sorry I've been absent from this site, and I apologize for losing touch with many of you. Hope you understand!

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to those who celebrate them!